The article describes the common causes of vaginal discharge and how to manage them.
Vaginal discharge is usually a regular and normal occurrence in females. However, it can be abnormal if there is any bacterial or yeast infection causing the discharge. The normal and abnormal discharge may be differentiated on the basis of colour and smell. The treatment mainly includes managing the cause of the discharge.
Consideration
Discharge from the vagina or vaginal discharge is vital for the female reproductive system. The discharge mainly consists of fluids, which carry dead cells from the cervix and vagina, thereby, preventing infection.
Depending on the time of the menstrual cycle, the colour and smell of the discharge can vary from woman to woman. For instance, the amount of discharge increases at the time of ovulation. It is also increased while breastfeeding or when you are sexually aroused. The smell from the discharge may be different during pregnancy or if there is any infection or disease. The discharge is thicker during pregnancy.
Any change in the colour or smell of vaginal discharge indicates that there is something wrong. These changes can be due to:
- Use of certain medicines, such as steroids, antibiotics or birth control pills
- Cancer of the cervix
- Sexually transmitted infections (STDs), Chlamydia being the most common
- Diabetes
- Douching
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Thinning and dryness of the vaginal wall during menopause (vaginal atrophy)
- Infection of the vagina due to unprotected sex (Trichomoniasis is quite common)
- Yeast infection
The discharge can be:
- Red or brown: Due to irregular menstrual cycle, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer
- Cloudy yellow: Due to gonorrhoea
- Yellow or green with foul smell: Due to Trichomoniasis
- Pink: Due to ripping up of the lining of uterus after childbirth
- White and thick: Due to yeast infection
- White or grey with fish-like smell: Due to Bacterial vaginosis
- Watery and clear: It is perfectly normal and may occur at any time during the regular menstrual cycle.
Diagnosis of the conditions related to abnormal vaginal discharge
Your physician will ask questions about the time, colour, and smell of the discharge. A Pap smear test may be ordered. The test consists of taking cell samples from the cervix for examination under the microscope.
Management of vaginal discharge
Management of vaginal discharge depends upon the cause of discharge. For example, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are usually given for yeast infection. Antibiotics are prescribed for STDs and bacterial vaginosis. However, the dosage should be taken as recommended by the physician.
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Prevention of abnormal vaginal discharge
The abnormal vaginal discharge can be prevented by:
- Keeping the vagina clean by regularly washing after urinating and having sex. However, douching should be avoided.
- Avoiding use of strong perfumed soaps.
- Wearing 100% cotton underpants.
- Avoiding tight clothes.
- Wiping from front to back after using the toilet. This prevents entry of bacteria from the rectum to vagina.
- Avoiding hot tubs.
You should always consult your physician if there is:
- Constant change in the colour and smell of the vaginal discharge
- An increase in the production of discharge
- Itching and soreness in the vagina
- Pain while passing urine
- Pain in the pelvic region
Certain amount of vaginal discharge is normal in females. However, certain kinds of discharge may indicate that there is an infection.
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